JAMES DOUGHERTY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 216581

JAMES DOUGHERTY
Marilyn Monroe's first husband photographed in his later years
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Eric Martin from your friend/Jim Dougherty". Color, 5x6¾.  James Dougherty (1921-2005) was the first husband of then Norma Jeane Baker.  They met when their first date was arranged by her foster father.  When her foster parents had to move out of state, they couldn't bring Norma Jean with them, so she would have to return to the foster care system.  Dougherty's parents, who were friends of Baker's foster parents, asked Jim if would like to marry Norma Jeane so that she would not have to return to foster care.  The couple married June 19,1942, when Norma Jeane was 16 and Jim was 21.  Soon after, Norma Jeane dropped out of school and became a housewife.  In 1944, Dougherty became a merchant marine, leaving Norma Jeane in the care of his parents. Norma Jeane soon began modeling and her rising career along with Jim's extended absences led to the end of their marriage.  Norma Jeane filed for a quickie divorce in Las Vegas in September 1946. Norma Jeane legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in February, 1956.  Dougherty pursued a career in law enforcement, joining the Los Angeles Police Department in 1949, serving as a detective and helping to create Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T).  In 2001, Dougherty wrote a book about his relationship with with Norma Jeane, titled To Norma Jeane With Love, Jimmie. Fine condition.